15 Best Woodworking Clamps and How to Choose

Woodworking clamps are used to temporarily hold pieces of wood securely in place in order to glue, nail, screw, or drill into the piece. Seven years in a woodworking shop taught me that without the right clamps for the project, you’re in for a world of frustration. And most of the time, it feels like you can never have enough. 

You’re likely here because you have an idea for a woodworking project and want to know what kind of clamps you’ll need. Sometimes it’s a matter of just making the best of the clamps around but from experience, having the right clamp for the project can help you avoid painful experiences and finish the project more quickly and with greater quality.

We’re going to take a look at the variety of clamps out there and help you quickly choose the best woodworking clamps for the projects you have in mind. We’ll go through the 15 best clamps from the most common to more specialty clamps and also give you the best woodworking clamp pick for each.

1. Best Parallel Jaw (K-Body) Clamp: 2 Pair – 24-inch Bessey Parallel Clamps
2. Best Bar Clamp: 2 Pair – 24” Jorgensen Bar Clamp
3. Best F-Clamp: Bessey General Purpose Clamp
4. Best Clutch Style Clamp: 4 Pack Bessey Clutch Clamps
5. Best Pipe Clamp: 2 Pack Pony Jorgensen Pipe Clamp Fixture
6. Best Spring Clamp: Workpro 16-Piece Nylon Spring Clamp Set
7. Best C-Clamp: Pony 6-in C-Clamp Set
8. Best Quick-Action Clamp: DEWALT Bar Clamp, Large Trigger, 36-Inch
   • Bonus Option: Bessey RES01 Clamp Set, General Purpose Trigger Clamps, 2 x 6 In. (100 lb) and 2 x 12 In. (300 lb)
9. Best Corner Clamp: PONY 2-Piece 90 Degree Corner Clamp Set
10. Best Wood Handscrew Clamp: Dubuque Wooden Jaw Hand screw Clamp
11. Best Band or Strap Clamp: BESSEY 23 ft Variable Angle Strap Clamp with 4 Clips
12. Best Toggle Clamp: BESSEY Horizontal Auto-Adjust Toggle Nickel Plated Clamp
13. Best Bench Clamp: Yost Vises Rapid Action Woodworking Vise with Quick Release Lever
14. Best Face Clamp: Kreg KHC3 Kreg Wood Project Clamp with Automaxx, 3 Inch
15. Best Spreader Clamp: Jorgensen 24″ One Hand Clamp/Spreader – 2-pack

The 15 Best Woodworking Clamps

When choosing the best woodworking clamp for your project, there are a few key factors that will help guide your decision making like: 

• Budget
• Quality
• Durability
• Use case

We’ll help you narrow down your options and help you quickly make the best choice for you. But most importantly, we’ll get you enough information to get the best woodworking clamps picked out fast so you can get going with your project. 

In This Article
Types of Clamps	My “Best” Picks	How to Choose

1. Parallel Jaw (K-Body) Clamp

Parallel Jaw (or K-Body) clamps are useful for 90 degree clamping in a variety of lengths. Often used for gluing up wide panels, parallel jaw clamps have flat faces on each clamp jaw that are parallel with each other so you can apply even pressure. I’ve used parallel clamps for glue ups and for assembling many cabinet units over the years and they are so helpful and easy to use. 

Some other benefits are that many brands have clamp stands that allow the clamp to sit firmly and parallel to the table or floor while adding your wood to clamp on top of the flat surface of the bars. And because of the flat outside edge of the fixed jaw, often you can stand them upright on the ground to save table space while the glue is drying from glue-ups. 

Pros

1. Very durable
2. Wide throat depth 3-3/4-Inch for a solid hold
3. Amazing clamping force 1,500 pounds to help with any warped boards

Cons

1. A bit pricey
2. Over time, jaw opening mechanism can get a bit sticky with wear

Bonus Tip!

There is an option to buy a clamp extender that allows you to join two of the Bessey Parallel Clamps together giving you a way longer clamping range. It does take some time to set up but gives you the option to go long!

2. Bar Clamp

Bar clamps are often used to clamp boards for edge gluing. They are super versatile and over the years, I’ve loved using them to hold any pieces of wood together that I’ve just glued or if I’m going to be nailing or screwing any pieces together. These lightweight clamps are great to use with one hand so you can easily clamp something in place that you’re holding with your other hand. They come with protective pads to help secure and protect your work. They are a lighter-duty clamp and cannot produce as much clamping force as other types such as parallel or pipe clamps.

Note that when you search “bar clamp” online, you get results ranging from Pipe Clamps, to F-Clamps, to aluminum adjustable bar clamps, to Parallel bar clamps, to the ones I’m showing here which are the quick release style of bar clamps. 

Pros

1. Two clamps can join to make a clamp with double the opening for larger projects
2. Can be easily converted to use as a spreader clamp to pull pieces apart
3. Quick release trigger

Cons

1. Not as strong as parallel or pipe clamps for glue ups

Bonus Options

Since Bar Clamps is more of a generic term that hits a wider range of clamps, I’ve linked some other top choices for other styles of bar clamps below for quicker reference. I have not taken the time to personally research these so do your own due diligence. Some of these styles are bonus ones not covered in this list of 15 best clamps.

Aluminum Bar Clamp

• Dubuque Clamp Works UC948 48″ Adjustable Bar Clamp for Woodworking – 4-PACK
• Jorgensen 48-in Aluminum Bar Clamp

Sliding Arm Bar Clamp

• Bessey 013-GS30K Sliding Arm Bar Clamp, 12″ Opening, 5-1/2 Throat Length

Parallel Bar Clamp

• 2 Pair – 24-inch Bessey Parallel Clamps

Clutch Style F-Clamp

• 4 Pack Bessey Clutch Clamps

3. F-Clamp

F Clamps are your classic clamps that have longer reach than a C-clamp for clamping a wider range of material. By far, I have used this type of clamp the most in my 7+ years of woodworking experience. In the shop and on jobsites, these clamps were used to hold stair railings in place to attach, for clamping stops to a mitre saw table, to curved stair railing glue ups. My dad and I always had at least one box of these in the van for any site work. 

They are available in different lengths and are easy to adjust and use to hold your project securely in place. Because of their lower price point, you can generally afford to have more F-clamps around to help with getting projects done more quickly and conveniently. Most come with protective pads to protect your project from scratches or indents and to prevent slipping. As far as the best woodworking clamps to own, these are honestly my top pick.

Pros

1. 330 pounds of clamping force
2. Serrated rail for slip resistant grip
3. Protective pads to prevent damage to material

Cons

1. Not as much clamping force as some other brands
2. Rail made from die cast zinc which may not last as long as steel

4. Clutch Style Clamp

The Clutch Clamp is very similar to the F Style. The only difference is that the clutch clamp’s mechanism for clamping is a spring loaded clutch plate that keeps the sliding jaw in place. I can see this being useful for use cases where you’re needing to use one hand to tighten the clamp. The clutch plate would keep the jaw in place instead of dropping due to gravity like on a regular F clamp. Like F-Clamps, most Clutch style clamps come with protective pads to protect your project from scratches or indents and to prevent slipping. 

Pros

1. Clutch plate keeps sliding jaw in place
2. Fairly priced for set of 4 clamps
3. 2 clamp size options for more versatility

Cons

1. On the heavier side when using with one hand
2. Not easy to slide moving jaw with one hand

Bonus: Bessey Clutch Style Single Clamp option

5. Pipe Clamps

Pipe Clamps are most often used to clamp boards for edge gluing. They are quite literally metal pipes that have clamping mechanisms attached to hold wide spans of wood or other materials together. The great thing about pipe clamps is that you can find pipes of various lengths at a fairly low cost and use the same clamping mechanisms on all different lengths. The most common pipe clamp dimensions are ½ inch and ¾ inch diameters.

Similar to parallel clamps, pipe clamps can lie flat on a table top or floor to glue up very large projects. If you get the pipes cut in custom lengths, make sure to get the ends of the pipe threaded with NPT (National Pipe) threads to attach the pipe clamp fixtures to both ends. Pipe clamps are a very sturdy style of clamp that last.

Pros

1. Easy to use with different lengths of pipe depending on project needs
2. Pipes provide a flat surface to lay materials for glue ups
3. Multiple disc clutch for higher clamping pressure

Cons

1. Jaw of a pipe clamp has less surface area than a parallel clamp jaw to hold project in place
2. Sometimes the sliding clamp fixture can get stuck when sliding along the pipe 

6. Spring Clamps

Spring Clamps are some of your smaller clamps, often made from plastic that act as a spring loaded clip to hold a project in place. They have two jaws that clamp down on either side of the material and can easily be used with one hand. While they have come in handy borrowing some in a pinch, I have rarely ever used them in a shop setting so I’m sure there are others that have better explanations of when you might use them. 

Pros

1. Multiple size options for greater versatility
2. Comfortably grip and squeeze with one hand
3. Robust spring tension with pivoting heads

Cons

1. Pads on the heads sometimes come off
2. Little control over the clamping force

7. C-Clamps

Sometimes C-Clamps are referred to as G-Clamps because of their shape when partially closed but we’ll go with C-Clamp. C-Clamps can generally reach further than F-Clamps because of their deeper throat. Their moveable jaw is threaded and the spacing between the open jaw varies from 1 inch to 11 + inches depending on the type of C-Clamp you get. Some are used to hold pieces of wood together or to a table and some are for holding metal for welding.  

 

Pros

1. Made of ductile iron for 1000 pound load strength
2. Comes in a pack of two for a better deal
3. Solid clamp for multiple applications – including holding tools or machinery in place temporarily

Cons

1. Some reviewers mention the thread is not always smooth
2. 6 inch size might not be enough for some use cases

Bonus:

There are some options for C-Clamps that are called locking C-Clamps versus the traditional C-Clamp with a threaded rod that you spin. Here are two options you can consider for this type. They use a spring to clamp down and lock in place and can be opened quickly with a trigger release.

• KOTTO 3 Packs Heavy Duty Locking C-Clamp Set, 6 Inch, 9 Inch and 11 Inch
• Nuovoware Premium Face Clamp, Locking C Clamp 3 Pack 6″ with Swivel Pads 

8. Quick-Action Clamps

Quick-Action Clamps are the most common type of bar clamps because they are lighter weight and can generally be used with one hand to tighten and release the clamp. Commonly known as trigger clamps, these clamps resemble how a caulking gun moves when squeezing the trigger because that’s where the inventors got the design idea from. They needed a one handed clamp while building a boat, so they made it. So if you need a one handed clamp, grab one of these.

I already picked the 24” Jorgensen Bar Clamp for my Bar Clamp pick so I’m going to pick two really good alternative options. 

Pros

1. DEWALT – less expensive
2. DEWALT – easy switching to a clamp spreader
3. Bessey – very comfortable handle and high quality clamp
4. Bessey – comes in a set two different sizes

Cons

1. DEWALT – some talk about the bar bowing with greater clamping pressure
2. Bessey – more expensive so would recommend waiting for a sale on these

9. Corner Clamps

Corner Clamps are used to hold wood securely at a 90 degree angle when joining them together. You can use them for things like making picture frames and furniture or cabinet assembly. To be honest, I have never used one of these in my life and always used whatever was around or just held the wood with my hands before nailing or screwing the pieces together. But I can see the appeal of having a couple of these at your bench for an extra secure hand while joining certain pieces. 

Pros

1. Large 3 inch maximum opening
2. Can permanently mount on a bench with the mounting holes
3. Made of high-quality aluminum alloy

Cons

1. T-handle is secure but a little small to use
2. Some reviewers feel these are too light weight

10. Wood Hand screw Clamps

Wood Hand screw Clamps are best used for glue-ups of wide panels from multiple boards and applying focused pressure in the middle of wide assemblies during glue-up. They are great for holding small parts at the drill press or router table, keeping your fingers safely away from the bit. You can even use smaller sized wood hand screw clamps as stops on your router fence and drill press fence.

With the claws made out of wood, they are much softer than other clamps and are less likely to damage the surface. And one unique feature is that the claws can both pivot so you can clamp irregular angles.

Pros

1. High quality craftsmanship – made in the USA
2. American maple wooden jaws are strong yet gentle on projects
3. Thread rod is very smooth
4. Large handles allow great leverage

Cons

1. More pricey than other options

11. Band or Strap Clamps

Band clamps are great for securing awkwardly shaped projects. Often they are used for building wooden frames, drawers, or other smaller projects with angled joints. The great thing about a band clamp is that it can take just one clamp to hold multiple joints securely in place for a glue up. 

“There is no reason to ever buy any other brand of clamp. Once you have used a Bessey you will never want anything else. It’s built well, easy to use and your project stays together with this clamp. I’ve given away or sold my cheap clamps and replaced them with Bessey. Well worth the price.” – User Review 

Pros

1. ‎Durable. Made of glass filled nylon.
2. A 23 foot strap gives lots flexibility for use
3. Works for a wide range of project shapes and sizes

Cons

1. Some people have issues with lining up the pads on their project
2. The crank on the side seems to be more flimsy than people expected

12. Toggle Clamps

Toggle Clamps are generally secured to a table or bench and used to secure a workpiece in order to perform some work on it. Their use cases are generally more specialized where a more common clamp with two jaws is not suitable. You can use a top-mounted toggle clamp to secure narrow workpieces while template-routing, pieces to a jig in order to cut tapers with the table saw, and securing a piece to a jig to cut tenons on end. 

Pros

1. Well built, lock securely, and has a great adjustment range
2. Maintains set clamping tension when clamping different size pieces
3. Great for specialized clamping uses where other clamps won’t do the job

Cons

1. On the larger side for toggle clamps so make sure they fit your use case
2. More expensive than some alternative options

13. Bench Clamps

When working with wood, often you’ll want to have a workpiece secured so you can work on it with both hands. Bench Clamps (or vices) are a metal clamping tool that are bolted to a workbench and are great for securing your workpiece with a larger moveable jaw. If you’re interested in a bench clamp, you’ll want to get one that has the gripping power you need to saw, chisel, plane and many other use cases. Most are made completely from cast iron but some have more gentle jaws made of wood you can attach to metal guide bars bolted to your workbench. 

Pros

1. Budget-friendly choice for beginners
2. Very Sturdy: Built with heavy-duty cast iron, it provides a stable and durable clamping solution.
3. Quick Release Feature: The quick-release lever is not only convenient but also easier to use compared to other vise quick release mechanisms.
4. Jaws Are Parallel: Ensures a tight and secure grip on your workpiece. 

Cons

1. The weight of the vise might be a challenge during installation, especially for beginners.
2. Some buyers reported minor imperfections in the main screw, but it doesn’t hinder the smooth operation of the vise.

14. Face Clamps

Face clamps are commonly used for pocket hole joinery. This is where two pieces of wood are joined with screws through the face of one piece into the edge of another at an angle. The reason you might want to use a face clamp for this type of joint is the jaw face. They are generally round and large enough to cover the joint on both sides to keep them even when screwing the pieces together. Face clamp pressure can be adjusted by twisting a thumbscrew before clamping.

Pros

1. Adjusts to varied material thickness (without adjusting clamp pressure)
2. Can use with one hand
3. Padded handles for comfort
4. Works very well with Kreg pocket hole jigs

Cons

1. Some say it’s overpriced
2. Some users found it challenging to apply enough force to clamp down

“It’s a Kreg. I don’t think they do rubbish.. So these tools are in my “buy for life” category. Yes, a bit more expensive – but worth it.” – User Review

15. Spreader Clamps

Spreader clamps are ones that are able to flip around one of the jaws in order to apply pressure in reverse. This comes in handy to gently disassemble projects like drawers, cabinets, or other furniture. It can help start getting some separation going so you can insert a chisel or other wood to help work the pieces of the project apart. We like versatility so in this case, we’re going to go back to a clamp we’ve already covered in the Bar Clamp section. 

Pros

1. Can change over from a regular clamp to spreader clamp with ease
2. Doesn’t require a lot of hand strength for a secure hold
3. Joining two clamps together allows for extra reach, accommodating larger projects
4. The soft jaw pads ensure a firm grip without causing damage to your material

Cons

1. The release trigger’s position might make it easy to accidentally hit when trying to secure something
2. Some users shared these clamps don’t connect with smaller Jorgensen clamps, limiting their use

“I bought a set of these for my boyfriend for Christmas and he absolutely loves them. They are super easy to tighten and easy to release. These are also reversible so you can push things apart or pull it tight. My boyfriend uses them a lot and asked for another set for his birthday. Highly recommend.” – User Review 

Bonus: Best Clamp Racks

Clamp racks are always going to be a thing you’ll need as you begin acquiring a collection. There are so many good design ideas to make your own clamp racks and that’s what the majority of shops end up doing. But if you want something quick and not too expensive to get your clamps stored against a wall, here are a few options depending on the type you need. 

1. Rockler 24” Parallel Clamp Rack
2. Rockler HD Pipe Clamp Rack
3. Rockler Pipe Clamp Rack (24-5/8”) – Bar Clamp Rack to Store Clamps

These are all made by Rockler and they even have an article showing even more options to build your own.

Choosing the Right Woodworking Clamps for Your Projects

A. Assessing Your Specific Needs

When it comes to selecting the best woodworking clamps for your projects, start by assessing the specifics. Consider the range of project types and sizes you typically tackle—whether it’s delicate joinery or jobsite carpentry. Additionally, factor in the materials you frequently work with. Different clamps excel with varied materials, ensuring a tailored solution for every woodworking challenge.

B. Understanding the Importance of Versatility

Versatility is the name of the game in woodworking, and your choice of clamps should reflect that. The best woodworking clamps for your workshop are the ones that seamlessly adapt to the evolving demands of your projects. Look for clamps that offer adjustable features and can handle a variety of tasks, ensuring they become the versatile workhorses you can rely on for any woodworking project.

C. Budget Considerations

While the best woodworking clamps are no doubt an investment in the quality of your projects, it’s crucial to align your choices with your budget. Thankfully, there are excellent clamp options available at various price points. Prioritize essential features based on your needs, ensuring that you strike a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness to create a well-rounded collection.

D. Mixing and Matching Clamp Types for a Well-Rounded Collection

Think of your woodworking clamps as a diverse team with different strengths. To build a comprehensive collection, consider mixing and matching clamp types. Pair sturdy parallel clamps with agile F-clamps, and throw in a few specialized clamps for good measure. This strategic combination ensures you’re equipped with the best woodworking clamps for any scenario, creating a versatile toolkit for your home or job site projects.